Measuring device to determine the symmetrical size of extremities



Jlme 25,` 1940. F, E MASQN 2,205,626

MEASURING DEVICE To DETERMINE THE SYMMETRICAL sm: oF EXTEEMITIES Filed Aug. 2, 1939 nuenor I ,Z fwn/Z' ZMasozz/ Patented June 25, 1940 PATENT OFFICE- MEASURKING DEVICE T0 DETERIWINE THE SYMIVIETRICAL SIZE OF EXTREIVIITIES Frank E. Mason, White River Junction, Vt.

Application August 2,

2 claims.

This invention relates to a measuring device to determine the symmetrical size of extremities, the general object of the invention being to provide a pair of supporting members each carrying a measuring tape or strap with an elastic strap connecting the two supportingmembers together so that the measurements of a pair of extremities of a human body can be measured at the same time and approximately at the same place.

This invention also consists in certain other features of construction and inthe combination and arrangement of the several yparts to be hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing and specifically pointed out in the appended claims.

- In describing the invention in detail, reference will be had to the accompanying drawing wherein like characters denote like orcorresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which:

Figure l is a view showing the invention in use for measuring the legs of a human body.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the device.

Figure 3 is a view of the measuring strap.l

Figure 4 is a view partly broken away showing how a supporting member is connected with one end of the elastic strap.

Figure 5 is a view of the bolt for connecting a measuring strap to a supporting member.

In these views the numeral I indicates a pair of supporting members, each member being preferably formed of a length of leather folded upon itself to form a pocket to receive an end of a wide elastic strap 2, the leather member being sewn together by the stitching 3 and an end of the elastic strap 2 being sewn in the pocket by the stitching 4. Each supporting member or base is formed with a hole for receiving a bolt 6, said boltbeing provided with an arcuate head I and a nut 8.

A graduated strap 9 having a buckle III at one end thereof has a large hole II at approximately its center for receiving a bolt 6, it being under` stood that one of these straps 9 is carried by each bolt as shown in Figures 1 and 2. 'IIhe 'arcuate head 'I of each bolt engages the inner 'face of the strap, when the strap is looped as shown in Figure 2 with the bolt passing through a hole 5 in the base or supporting member I and with the nut 8 engaging the outer face of the base I. Adjacent the graduation marks I3 of each strap or adjacent some of said marks the strap is formed with holes I4 for receiving the tongue of the buckle. The drawing shows these holes I4 arranged at each inch mark and half 1939, serial No. 288,052

(c1. ca -179) inch mark but it will be understood that the holes can be placed wherever desired, for instance, at each graduation. mark.

The straps are placed around both legs or both arms as shown in Figure l and the straps lsnugly fastened around the limbs by the buckle tongue engaging the proper one of the holes IIIA and as will be seen both of the straps are connected together by the elastic member whichv renables the physician to properly handle the parts and place them in correct position and then to read the graduations of the straps where the tongues come.

Thehead I is made very thin and is curved to conform to the curvature of the strap when the strap is placed around the limb.

The apparatus will be known as a measuring device to determine the symmetrical size of extremities'. Especially to determine if there is any muscular atrophy and the true degree of muscular atrophy.

A The principal use will be for physicians and surgeons to measure both arms or both legs at the same time. There are many diseases that cause a slightl atrophy of one extremity, as sciatic neuritis, infantile paralysis and other organic neurological diseases. At present an ordinary tape measure is used on one side. It is then placed on the other side possibly one-eighth inch above or below where it was measured on the other side. The measurement is then not accuvrate as both extremities taper. The physician may believe atrophy ldoes exist. He may make the wrong diagnosis. ings to an insurance company, Government bureau, etc.

It is thought from the foregoing description that the advantages andv novel features of` the invention will be readily apparent.

It is to be understood that changes may be made in the construction and in the combina-` tion and arrangement of the several parts provided that su'ch changes fall within the scope of theappended claims.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. A device of the class described comprising an elastic strap, a pair of base members connected to the ends ofk said elastic strap, each base member havinga hole therein, a bolt pass ing through each hole and having a curved head at one end and a nut at its other end, a gradu- He may report wrong ndated strap for each bolt, each strap having a hole therein substantially centrally arranged for receiving the bolt with one face of the strap enfor passing around said limbs, a pair of relatively stii supporting members to which the intermediate portions of the straps are connected and an elastic strap havin-g its ends connected with the supporting members for connecting the supporting members together.

FRANK E. MASON. 

